Page 41 of Wish You Faith

“Keep your purse close,” he told her, but just then the crowd cheered as the fireworks began.

She hadn’t heard him. “What?”

He lowered his lips and whispered in her ear. “Don’t lose your purse.”

She said something, but he couldn’t hear her either. The kettle drums nearby were synchronizing with the fireworks above them.

She pulled his collar toward her face and spoke into his ear. “Okay.”

It was all she said.

But warmth filled his chest. He couldn’t explain it.

His love language was physical touch, but then he disliked anyone outside his immediate family getting close to him or standing in his face—except for Rosie.

They cheered along with the crowd as the colorful fireworks burst over the Savannah River. Some people around them started to dance. People were still moving forward to get closer to the river.

Evan didn’t think it was a good idea to go along. He reached for Rosie’s hand and gently guided her to step back to where it was less crowded. They could still see the fireworks, but at least they didn’t risk getting pushed into the river.

They ended up standing by a coffee kiosk, which also sold desserts of some sort.

“Oh clever,” Rosie remarked.

“What?”

Rosie pointed to the sign above the kiosk. “This kiosk belongs to Piper’s Place. We can get our hot chocolate and cupcakes here without going to the restaurant.”

Evan was disappointed. He was hoping to turn this into a proper date night at the restaurant where they could talk into the night, but this kiosk might have very well short-circuited his plan.

“See anything you like?” Evan asked.

“Not right now. Thanks.” Rosie pointed to the fireworks in the sky. “Look at that one! Red and green. So Christmassy.”

She turned her face and stopped talking.

Evan realized how close they were standing to each other. Rosie’s nose almost touched his chin. If she as much as tilted her head up, he’d kiss her.

Rosie seemed startled by their proximity. She turned her attention back to the next round of fireworks display.

The fireworks went on for a good hour, but the crowd did not let up. More people poured in even as the fireworks died out.

The December night cooled off, and a chill hung in the air.

Rosie shivered and buttoned her jacket up to her neck. “If I’d known I’d be outdoors, I would’ve worn my goose down hooded jacket.”

“You can wear my scarf.” He was about to remove it from his neck, but she stopped him.

“I don’t wear scarves,” she said.

“Why not?”

“Afraid to get strangled.” She seemed truthful.

“For real? You won’t.”

“I’m clumsy sometimes,” Rosie explained. “The ends can get caught somewhere and pull me.”

Did she really believe that? Well, Evan had seen the evidence. He chuckled as he recalled their first meeting. She had fallen on the greenhouse floor.

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